=Hector's POV=
(Friday, 6/28/19-3:30 pm)
(Berk, Archia Isle)
(Haddock Apartment)
I honestly have to say that I'm happy with how things have been going since Astrid and I talked two weeks ago. Life is easier for us now that we're working together in this. It's not perfect, I do want to be with her. But I am still hesitant, so I guess until that faded; Astrid and I wouldn't try to move forward in dating one another. The marriage is still legal, we are husband and wife. But that relationship was forced upon us. Astrid and I agreed that if we're going to do this, we want it to be because we want it due to our feelings. I know I feel strongly for her, everything I buried from when she rejected me was back. I just had the added fear of things not lasting. Astrid might feel something for me, but it could change as we continue on this trial period. Things are still hard because of me working a lot. I don't want her to feel like I'll never find a balance between work and home. I'm still struggling to create one, and I knew this job would be hard, but it seems there is a lot of things my dad and father in law weren't staying on top of in their early celebrating of a successful merge. The merge happened, but there was a lot of things they pushed off to focus on that one thing, instead of the whole picture, which was how the business ran as a whole.
Tonight should be interesting, though. It's the party for me taking over, and celebrating the merge. There was still a lot to fix, but things were running smoothly and we could say officially that the merge was complete and successful. This was going to be big, a lot of important people were going to be here. Partners, executive workers, and probably most would bring their significant other along. Obviously, there would be no children. I invited mine and Astrid's friends, and our parents. I wasn't going to, but decided that it was our fathers who set the merge up, so it was only fair I should invite them to see the final product. The event was being held in the central hub, we had our own gathering space. It was more like a ballroom, but it worked to hold things here than to spend money on renting a hall for a few hours. I was hosting this, so I was nervous and stressed. The party started at 5:00 pm, so I was letting anyone who would be attending leave early to start getting ready. I was also leaving early; I needed a shower and dress in something more formal. It looked better as the owner to dress properly.
I'm just arriving at the apartment now, I landed in the backyard with Toothless and let him get some fish and water while I entered through the sliding door. I guess I startled Astrid, who was in the kitchen.
"Odin above," Astrid panted, a hand over her heart.
"I didn't mean to scare you. I'm sorry," I closed the door and walked in more.
"It's okay…I don't think the one heart attack will kill me," Astrid took a few breaths. "What are you doing home so early? I thought you had that celebratory thing," She wondered.
"Well, for one," I chuckled a little. "I messaged you about twenty minutes ago saying I was on my way," I informed as Astrid blinked and got her phone from her back pocket and seeing the screen light up, a text indeed there from me saying he was on his way.
"O-Oh…" Astrid felt silly. "I didn't even check my phone. I got home from work around 2:30, changed, and started cleaning up. I guess I left my phone on silent instead of vibrate or ring. I'm sorry," She stated, tucking the device away again.
"It's alright. The second thing is that I do have the party at the main office, but it's not until 5 pm. I had to come home to change out of my work clothes and into the suit for tonight," I informed.
"Ah. Should I expect you late tonight? Will there be food? I can cook dinner early so you can eat before you go," Astrid offered.
I arched a brow at her. "What are you talking about?"
"I was thinking, if it wasn't too late after your party, maybe we could watch a movie together on the couch," Astrid suggested. "But if you're going to get home late, I'm sure you'll be tired and-," She went on about the fact he'd be tired and likely want to just change, get some sleep. Astrid stated that it was okay and maybe they could do it another time. I was just confused because Astrid was making it seem like I was going to this thing without her and she was trying to plan something for us to do afterward.
Wait…Does she think she's not invited? I thought quickly. "Astrid, Astrid…" I said to get her to stop talking. "Why are you talking as if you're going to be here by yourself all night?"
Astrid blinked a few times. "Be-Because I will be?" She replied, unsure if that was the right response.
"No…" I realized that Astrid did believe she wasn't invited to this thing. "Ast, you're coming to the party," Her eyes widened a little. "It's a formal event to commemorate me taking over and the merge being done. It would be expected of you to attend this with me as my wife," I saw the change in her reactions, she really had no idea she was invited to this as my wife.
"I-I didn't know," Astrid claimed. "Y-You never referred to this celebration as a we thing, only that you had this thing to go to,"
"Well, it is something I have to be there for. I am the owner and CEO, it would look pretty bad if I didn't show up to the party being thrown for me taking over the now fully merged company." I mentioned. "But it would also look a little strange if I didn't show up with my wife," I laughed a little. "You're invited, Ast. Both as my wife and my date," He winked. Astrid's cheeks burned.
"W-What should I wear? What time are we leaving?" Astrid wondered.
"It's a party with people who work for the company, so maybe a dress, but nothing too revealing," I told her. "I will have to leave here by 4:15 pm, to oversee final arrangements. You can come for 5 pm with other guests, though. I'll send Jason to pick you up if you want?"
"Might be better. It's gonna take me a little time to get ready and find something to wear," Astrid shrugged.
"I'll let him know now," I replied before going into my bedroom/office to get changed. I worked on pulling out my suit for tonight while also sending a one handed text to Jason about swinging through to pick up Astrid and bring her to the building. I put my phone on the charger and got myself changed, excluding putting on the tie or jacket yet. I knew I could slip that on quick right before the event started.
I was actually looking forward to tonight. It would be the first thing Astrid and I went to for the company, and while we would still be acting like a married couple, it didn't feel forced that we had to be there together. Astrid could have missed it, I could have said she was home sick but I knew that would only raise questions of if she was pregnant. High school was over now, I expected my parents and hers to start dropping hints. But maybe they wouldn't. I laid into them pretty hard a couple weeks ago, reminding them of everything Astrid and I got forced into doing for them. Maybe they would back off this time and understand that I'd only get pissed off if they started expecting more out of me and Astrid. There was still a lot going on and with mine and Astrid's status set at trying to see where things go between us, disregarding the fact we're married, when there is feelings involved. There was plenty of time for us to have kids, we just wanted to be better established for it being more than us. It would be fair to any children to have to deal with Astrid and me trying to make things work. And throwing a kid in the mix would undoubtedly make things harder; we would probably fight a lot because I'm still super busy with work. I wouldn't want to put all that on Astrid.
Jason had replied back that he'd be delighted to grab Astrid when leaving the Berk office. I had sent him to drop off and pick up files for me, so he'd be going right by my apartment while returning to the office for the event. I checked the time to see it was 4:10 pm, so I had to get going. I quickly grabbed my phone and headed out, glancing around for Astrid. "Ast?" I called.
"In the shower!" She replied as I went closer to the bathroom.
"I just wanted to let you I'm heading out," I told her.
"What?" Astrid asked.
"I said I'm heading out," I repeated.
"I can't hear you, just open the door, Hector." Astrid stated.
I rolled my eyes and opened the bathroom door. "I was just letting you know that I'm heading out to get back to the office. Jason will be here to get you in fifteen to twenty minutes, okay?"
"Alright! I'll be ready and see you when I get there. Do we have to go in together? Are you going to meet me when I arrive…I've never been inside the main building, so I will have no idea where to go." Astrid mentioned.
"Don't worry, Jason will bring you right to me," I reassured.
"Okay. Then I'll see you shortly," Astrid replied.
"Can't wait. See you soon, Astrid," I closed the door and grabbed my keys and wallet from inside my office, then I left the apartment. I got in my car, buckled, started the vehicle and finally headed off down the road to get to the central hub.
. . .
(5:30 pm)
(Archia Isle City)
(Dreki-Viking Enterprise)
Mostly everyone had arrived to the event, except my assistant and my wife. Astrid or Jason would have called if there had been an issue, so they must be on their way and would be here soon. I was by the door, greeting everyone as they came in. My parents, in laws, and Glenn were some of the first to show up and I was immediately asked by them why Astrid wasn't at my side. I told them the truth that she had not been ready when I was, and told her I had to go in earlier to make sure things were set up, so my assistant was going to bring her. Over the last forty-five or so minutes, everyone else came and were standing around the room, some were sitting. Snacks were out for people to enjoy, and I had servers walking around with wine and champagne. There was a bar, but the bartenders knew to let everyone know, based on what they were drinking, the workers would stop serving them if they found they were drunk. This was a safety measure to ensure no one drove home drunk. Mine and Astrid's friends arrived among the mass of people I welcomed, my uncles and their wives came too. The only child there was probably Alexa, but she was family and nearly seventeen. She hardly counted as a child.
I've spent a lot of my time thus far speaking with people casually. Some of our partners came out, and I felt like this was going to be a good night. I really hoped so. It was the first big event of the newly merged company with me hosting it. How I did things tonight would set the bar for people seeing me as the CEO and owner. My staff would see that they have a capable boss, and know they were in good hands. Partners would see that I could handle things, even being I was freshly graduated from high school with only a mere three to four months of actual training to run a massive company like this. I didn't like formal events like these, I hated being in a full suit and this was a black-tie type of formal. Everywhere I looked, males were wearing a black suit and some dark colored tie. The women wore dresses, either floor length or to their ankles and the color seemed to match a close second or dead on whatever the tie of the male they were with. I wasn't sure what Astrid chose to wear and I vaguely wondered if I should have been more clear in telling her.
I'm sure it was going to be fine. Astrid knew I was the owner, and CEO and that this event was signifying me taking over and the success of the merge after about six months. While the plans had been made last June, the merging of the two businesses couldn't start until Astrid and I got married, which happened in August. Preparing for the union of the companies took some months to sort out, so it didn't actually begin until January. Here we are at the end of June, celebrating the completion of that successful merge and that it's under new ownership and management by me. I knew many doubted I could handle things, but I was fine. I had good leadership skills, as so pointed out by family and friends. I had a keen sense of attention to detail and in this business, that was key next to leadership. I still never wanted this for my life; I wanted to be part of the team that builds and designs, but not the one running it all. Right now, I'm just wondering where Jason is with Astrid, I could only stall for so long before having to welcome everyone, and thank them for coming. The music going was light, but it would only hold for so long before I had to start things and let everyone enjoy the night.
"Hector, where is Astrid?" Marcus's voices pulled my attention to him.
"I already told you," I replied.
"And that was over thirty minutes ago," Angela reminded. "Where is my daughter?"
"She's-," I started, but caught sight of Jason coming up.
"My deepest apologies, Mr. Haddock, for arriving late." He bowed his head. "There was a major accident on the highway and it took some time to get around, plus normal traffic at this hour," Jason explained. "Mrs. Haddock left her phone at the apartment, and mine had fallen out of reach when we had to stop fast because of the accident. Neither of us were able to contact you to let you know we were running behind."
"It's fine, Jason. I was certain there was a viable reason that you were not here on time," I told him. "I am glad you are alright and made it. Now…Where is my wife?"
"Oh, she's just using the restroom and hanging her coat, sir," Jason stated. "I had offered to wait for her, but she insisted to have come tell you right away why we arrived late,"
"I appreciate that, Jason…But now go make sure she finds this room alright. She's never been here before and I don't want her getting lost," I reminded him.
"She won't, sir. I showed her where we would be," Jason reassured. "Is there anything you need me to do?" He asked.
As I was about to tell him no, I noticed the room had gone quieter and filled with whispers. I saw the guests were all looking towards the doors and I adjusted to see that it was Astrid who entered the room. She was wearing her hair down, but braided on the sides and tied together around the back of her head. I saw that she also curled her hair that was against her back. I could see her legs, she was wearing a pair of black sandals that had a small heel on them; the straps were around her ankles. What I didn't understand was why she was wearing her long black coat still, I thought Jason said she was hanging it on her way back from the restroom. As she walked towards me, I saw nervousness in her eyes, and she wore a small smile while walking through the guests. I could feel the stares of wonder and confusion as to why my wife was still wearing her jacket. I stayed composed, walking to meet her and in normal fashion; I greeted her with a smile and drawing her close to me.
"There you are, Milady," I hugged her. "I was beginning to worry,"
"I-It wasn't mine or Jason's-," Astrid tried to explain.
"I know. Jason told me that there was an accident which took time to get around," I informed. "And about you forgetting your cell phone at home, and his being out of reach while driving. As I said, it's alright. I am just glad you are both alright and made it here. Now…Why are you still wearing your coat? If you're cold, I can have the heat turned up." I offered.
"No, no…I'm not cold. I just…Feel like I didn't dress right for this and I don't want to embarrass you," Astrid admitted bashfully.
"Is it anything showing cleavage or higher than your knees?" I wondered. Astrid shook her head. "Then it's fine." I smiled.
"B-But it's…Not floor or ankle length…" Astrid countered. "I'm gonna stick out and make you look bad,"
"Milady, if anything, you at my side makes me look better. Now…Please? Stop worrying and take off that coat." I urged.
Astrid sighed softly as she stepped back from me and untied the sash holding the two sides of the coat together. Being a gentleman, I shifted to help her get the article of clothing off and found myself staring at her in surprise. Why did she think this would embarrass me? Astrid was wearing a black, off the shoulder, high-low dress. It was longer in the back, came down to a dull point, but not touch the floor whereas the front was a bit open, and just showing the bottoms of her knees. The only jewelry worn was the three piece set I got her for her birthday this year; it was earrings, a bracelet, and necklace. All the pieces were silver with her birthstone. Of course, she also wore her wedding rings too; those were also silver. I noticed the subtle additions on her face of subtle lipstick, black eye liner, and sparkle-baby blue eye shadow. I couldn't believe how stunning she looked.
"Wow," I couldn't stop myself from saying. "And here I thought I was going to be the best dressed and center of attention this evening."
"I know…It's awful, but-," Astrid stopped, looking at me quickly. "Wh-What did you say?"
"I said; I thought I was going to be the best dressed and center of attention tonight," I paused. "I will happily admit that I was wrong and you got me beat by a longshot."
"R-Really?" Astrid blushed. "I-It's not bad? I haven't worn this in forever, and I didn't even think it would fit at first. I-I normally don't buy formal stuff and I felt this would be too-," I cut her off by drawing her close and kissing her lips gently for a moment before pulling back and looking in her eyes as her blush definitely became more visible.
"Ast, shut up. It's perfect, and you look amazing." I smiled. I saw her eyes light up and the smile return to her face. "Simply divine beauty, which is what your name means if I'm not mistaken," I recalled. Astrid nodded to confirm my assumption. "Well, you certainly live up to it, Milady." I saw her cheeks redden.
"Th-Thank you, Hector," Astrid replied.
"You're welcome," I offered my arm to her and she linked herself on it with her arm. Jason took her coat from me and hurried to place it in the closet next to mine. "Now that I have the wonderful woman who helped make this possible at my side, as its where she's been since the beginning, I think it's time we get this party started!" I called out as everyone cheered and clapped.
